Read For Yourself, Think For Yourself!

These literally just touch on the tip of the iceberg. There are so many parallels that can be made between aspects of the Harry Potter series and Christian teaching. There are so many examples from each of the themes that I mentioned. But not only on Christian themes, but also just on cultural issues. For example, racism. The house elves and how they are treated by most wizards and witches versus how Harry and Dumbledore treat them. They take a more Christian approach to their interaction with the house elves. There really is so much for our young Christian population to learn from these books and movies, if parents are willing to take the time to engage in the process of education. I hope that I have at least opened your eyes to some of these themes and ideas. Ultimately, you should read the series and think for yourself. You won't regret it!

Immortality and Eternal Life

John: 16 tells us that, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We see this idea present throughout the Harry Potter series. Of course there is the Voldemort’s unhealthy and improper longing for immortality, which is a good example of what immortality isn’t meant to be. Voldemort is hoping to flee from death in his quest for immortality. Rather we should look at Hermione’s mention that there is a difference between “defeating death”, as Voldemort is trying to do, and “living after death”. She also says, “Look, if I picked up a sword right now and ran you through with it, I wouldn’t damage your soul at all. Whatever happens to your body, your soul will survive, untouched.” The Harry Potter series not only discusses the idea of immortality but also the idea of immortality as eternal life as the Christian perspective sees it. With knowledge of this eternal life, the deaths in the Harry Potter series are not corrupting to young readers. They are no different than the death of a loved one in a child’s life. If a child experiences the death of a loved one, it is explained through Christian ideas that the person will live on in heaven. The Harry Potter series does not deny that is true; it just doesn’t specify “heaven”. As a result, the issue of deaths in Harry Potter should not be as concerning for the Christian critics if they have taught their children about eternal life in heaven.

Community and Relationships

Over and over we are told in the bible to find community and to live in that community with one another; or in friendship. I have found this concept to be overwhelmingly present in Harry Potter as well as in Christianity. Galatians 6:2, which says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” And Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This verse proves that there are countless advantages to being in community with one another; to living in unity. This is seen in many situations throughout the Harry Potter series. We see examples of community everywhere. The Houses are an example of this community. The students are grouped together based on a certain criteria and are encouraged to bond in community with these people. We see this ultimately in the fact that Voldemort could have never been defeated without the banning together of Harry Potter and his friends. Harry finds a community made up of his friends, professors, and mentors in addition to the entire community of wizards and witches who claim good rather than evil. They work together towards the common goal of defeating evil and Lord Voldemort. It is essential for our youth to realize that life cannot be lived alone. Reliance on other individuals is sometimes seen as weakness, when in actuality it requires strength and courage. This also goes against what culture says about independence. While independence is admired in culture and certainly has its significance, there is something to be said about living with one another. In Christianity this is stressed because it’s recognized that one cannot reach their full potential of goodness without the encouragement and accountability of fellows. Recognizing that dependence is acceptable by young readers is important. The collaboration between Harry, Ron, and Hermione provide that example that they can strive towards. They could not accomplish all that they did without the support of one another. 

Mercy and Forgiveness

The Christian idea of mercy and forgiveness is also seen in the Harry Potter series. First, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are constantly shown mercy for getting into the trouble that they get into. Their punishment is often times much less severe than it should have been. We see this when Professor McGonagall takes points from Gryffindor for their misdemeanors, but also awards them points back for the efforts and achievements that resulted from those misdemeanors. Secondly we see Harry show mercy and forgiveness to Pettigrew the rat in The Prisoner of Azkaban. He spares his life, not because he wasn’t guilty, but because Harry knew that it was not necessary to kill him and that he had another option, to forgo the desire for justice and show him this mercy and forgiveness we are talking about. Young readers see in Harry Potter that there is another option to justice. This option is mercy in addition it teaches them about forgiveness and what that means and how it is typically more beneficial than seeking revenge or holding a grudge.

Christian Idea of Fate in Harry Potter

Christianity and the Harry Potter series also share the theme of fate. In Christianity this fate is often times viewed as a calling. Christ calls certain people to certain things. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We can see this sort of fate or calling present in Harry Potter as well. In Deathly Hallows, Dumbledore says, "It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well." It is evident that Harry has a certain calling to be a leader in the wizarding world, and that it is his fate to defeat Voldemort to protect his friends. Likewise, Jesus Christ had a calling to die for the sins of man. This concept sparks the thought in young readers that they too may have a calling. It is vital for young readers to think about the idea of what they are to become.

Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial love and selflessness is another theme that can be found throughout the Harry Potter series, and is also very present in Christian teaching. Sacrificial love can be defined as affection for people or a person to the point that you are willing to give up something for their benefit. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” We see Christ living out this love in dying on the cross for the sins of all men, and also in Harry Potter’s willingness to give up his life for the protection and peace of his friends against Voldemort. Now Harry Potter is no Jesus Christ, but his actions teach children that they can and should strive to be as much like Jesus as possible. Lastly we see this in Lily Potter’s death protecting her son. Not only does Lily’s sacrifice protect Harry, but it also aids in the defeat of Voldemort because he is debilitated by her magic. We consistently see Harry and other characters in the Harry Potter series living out sacrificial love and selflessness. In the Socerer’s Stone we see Ron Weasley making a sacrifice while playing Wizard’s Chess. He sacrifices his piece so that Harry can go on to find the stone and for Hermione’s safety. All of the characters have the ability to display both sacrificial love and selflessness. Harry himself sets a great example as an unselfish figure. It’s also important to note that at some point throughout the Harry Potter series each character makes some sort of selfish decision, therefore providing readers with multiple examples. In addition it makes sure that readers don’t mistake anyone as being exempt from making mistakes, or as being perfect.

Good vs Evil

Within both the world of religion and the world of wizardry, there are differing sects or views. In religion these are denominations such as Catholicism, Buddhism, and Islam. In Harry Potter the division is mostly between the good and the bad. They are separated and often times battle one another. This can be paralleled to the battle between good and evil and to the spiritual warfare that all Christians experience. Spiritual warfare can be defined as the daily battles fought by Christians between following God’s will and following the misguided desires of our hearts. In Harry Potter, the choice between good and evil has always been stressed by those surrounding Harry. He constantly has to make the choice to be good. On the other hand we see Voldemort who is choosing to be evil. Children should be aware of this battle between good and evil, for it is going on even inside themselves. There is certainly a benefit to having knowledge about this battle. It makes one much more informed when making decisions for good or for evil. The Harry Potter series simply exposes them to the idea that they have a choice.